Beloved Orange Community Leader Barbara Bergeron Dies at 94

Longtime First Christian Church member and volunteer was known for her deep faith and commitment to serving others.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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Barbara Ruth Bauer Bergeron, a beloved figure in the Orange, Texas community, passed away on March 6 at the age of 94. Bergeron was known for her lifelong dedication to her church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she organized and cooked for numerous community outreach programs over the decades, including a weekly Wednesday night dinner and an annual Christmas Day meal delivery service.

Why it matters

Bergeron's passing marks the end of an era for First Christian Church and the broader Orange community, as she was a pillar of the congregation and a tireless advocate for serving the less fortunate. Her commitment to her faith and community service set an inspiring example for others to follow.

The details

After returning to Orange in 1962 following a divorce, Bergeron immediately became involved with First Christian Church, taking on roles such as Elder, Deacon, Choir member, and Sunday School teacher over the years. She was especially known for organizing and cooking the church's weekly Wednesday night community dinners and its annual Christmas Day meal delivery program, which provided over 250 meals each year to those in need.

  • Bergeron was born on May 28, 1931 in Orang, Texas.
  • She graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange in 1949.
  • Bergeron earned an Associate's Degree from Central Texas College in Port Arthur in 1982.
  • She met and married Larry Bergeron in 1966, and they remained in their Edgemont Drive home until his death in a tragic car accident in 1996.
  • Bergeron passed away on March 6, 2026.

The players

Barbara Ruth Bauer Bergeron

A beloved figure in the Orange, Texas community who was known for her lifelong dedication to her church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she organized and cooked for numerous community outreach programs over the decades.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

The church in Orange, Texas where Bergeron was a longtime member and volunteer, organizing and cooking for weekly community dinners and an annual Christmas Day meal delivery program.

Linda Patrice Thompson

Bergeron's loving daughter, who will be helping to prepare the community luncheon for her mother's 95th birthday celebration at First Christian Church.

Dr. Gary McCormick

Bergeron's most recent pastor at First Christian Church, who was deeply impressed by her biblical knowledge and often asked her to fill the pulpit in his absence.

Ian Guy Paris Thompson

Bergeron's grandson.

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What they’re saying

“Barbara's most recent pastor, Dr. Gary McCormick, was deeply impressed by her knowledge of biblical commentaries and theological resources. He frequently asked her to fill the pulpit in his absence and attended her Sunday School class each week, often remarking that she knew more about the Bible than many of his seminary professors.”

— Dr. Gary McCormick, Pastor

What’s next

A celebration of life service is being planned for what would have been Barbara's 95th birthday, May 28, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Orange. A community luncheon will be held at noon in the Fellowship Hall, prepared under the leadership of Barbara's daughter, Linda, along with the church's Hospitality Committee.

The takeaway

Bergeron's lifelong commitment to serving her church and community through her deep faith and tireless volunteer work left an indelible mark on Orange, Texas. Her example of selfless service and devotion to helping others will continue to inspire the congregation of First Christian Church and the broader community she loved.